My apologies if you receive this more than once.  I've had some issues with the email functions today.

Good Morning fellow Hokies!

As some of you may be aware, yesterday afternoon, I brought the latest revision of our website (which I’m calling v4) out of “production” and into “live” status.

In the past, our site has been “hand coded”, requiring knowledge of web-programming languages and software that only a handful of alumni have experience with.  With v4, we are now using a software package that will allow any Chapter Officer (with a minimal amount of guidance) the ability to write updates to the site.  What this means to you, is that there will no longer be a delay in information distribution to the website.  In fact, the underlying software is similar to many systems in use at vt.edu, hokiesports.com, techsideline.com, and rtphokie.org.  Going forward, we will be able to make changes to the overall look and feel of the site without losing major content or functionality. 

Some of the key features of the new site:

·         Dynamic Content: Anyone with appropriate access will be able to update information on an as-needed basis.  This reduces the time between when an announcement will be made, and when it is viewable on the website. 

·         Forums: One of the key community-based features of the new system.  Primarily seen by myself as a way to facilitate ticket exchanges between local alumni, this also allows us to bring together our community of alumni spread over our geographic footprint. 

·         Newsletter: In the past, our email distribution list has been strictly that – email-based.  Under the new system, all email functions will be hosted on our website.  The newsletter module will archive all emails sent, and be available for reading on the website.  This new system will also allow for end-user management of emails (such as the ability to unsubscribe) by clicking on a link within the email.  Rest assured that only those necessary will have the ability to send an email to our distribution list, and we will continue to provide on a best-efforts basis, the protection of your email address.

·         Photo Gallery: This functions much like every other photo sharing site on the internet.  Registered users will have the ability to upload photos from local events to the site, and create dynamic slideshows from local events. 

·         News Feeds: From a list of special websites, you will be able to see news headlines at a glance, and read with a further click. 

·         Calendar/Event List: A key component of any community-based site, our event list can be updated by Chapter Officers at any point.  Should any event need to change (such as time, venue, etc.) this can be done quickly and efficiently. 

You will not need to register a new account to view the site.  However, in order to post to the forums, upload photos, etc, you will need to create an account.   

There may be some overlap of emails when you register.  If this occurs, please let me know, and I will get the extra address removed from the distribution list. 

I am still in the process of putting up additional content and tweaking the graphics and functionality of the site.  If you see an error, please let me know.  If you have any suggestions for features, content, appearance, or criticism of the site, I welcome the feedback on either the forums, or via email.  (Be forewarned that I may post the basis of the suggestion/criticism and a response so that we’re not repeating requests.) 

I do not know what the new Hokie Nation website will bring.  It is my hope that I will be able to integrate it into v4 of our site.  Time will tell on that front.

Welcome to v4 of the NC Triad Chapter VTAA website!

~rj webb
NC Triad VTAA Webmaster